Golf Swing Training Device

ABSTRACT

A training device used by a golfer to visually analyze their body position during their golf swing. The device generally includes a base with a first indicator, and a front plate with a second indicator. In use, the device is positioned in front of the golfer with the first and second indicators being visually aligned. The golfer visually watches the relative positions of the indicators during the course of the swing. By observing the degree of sway in real time, the golfer can limit sway in the back swing and control it on the downswing enabling the golfer to stay behind the ball thus making proper impact possible. Some sway during the golf swing is inevitable. The device enables the golfer to have awareness of the degree and direction of sway and the dynamic timing of sway position at impact.

BACKGROUND

The present application is directed to a device for practicing a golf swing and, more particularly, to a device for real-time visual feedback for maintaining proper body position during a golf swing.

Proper body position is important during a golf swing. The body position will determine the position of the club as it moves through the swing and makes contact with the golf ball. Even small improper movements of the body during the swing may result in a poor golf shot.

One key aspect of a good golf swing is for the golfer's center of gravity to remain relatively stationary as remainder of the body moves during the swing. Limiting sway provides for the golfer to be at a proper position when the ball is struck by the club. The golfer's body will be out of position if their center of gravity is either too far back from the moment of impact or too far forward. This usually results in a poor golf swing in which the golfer is forced to compensate with other parts of their body in an attempt to have the club in proper position when the ball is struck.

A large number of devices have been developed throughout the years to help train a golfer how to have a proper golf swing. Many of these devices are complicated machinery with numerous moving parts that interact together when the device is being used by the golfer. These devices are complicated, expensive, take up a large amount of space, and require a great deal of adjustment and maintenance. Other devices require an assistant who operates the device while the golfer makes their golf swing. Some devices do not provide real-time feedback to the golfer during the golf swing. By way of example, some training aids use video recording equipment that records the golfer's swing. The video may then be played back at a later time to evaluate the swing and make any necessary adjustments.

Therefore, there is a need for a straightforward device that can be used by the golfer to determine whether the proper form is being used during their golf swing.

SUMMARY

The present application is directed to a training device to train a golfer on having the proper body position during their golf swing. In one embodiment, the device includes a base with a top side and an opposing bottom side. The top side includes a first section with a first visual appearance and a second section with a second visual appearance. A first indicator is formed on the top side of the base at the boundary of the first and second sections. A plate is operatively connected to the base, with the plate including a transparent section. A second indicator is positioned on the transparent section of the plate. The plate and the base are positioned in an overlapping arrangement when viewed by the user with the top side of the base being visible through the transparent section of the plate to visually align the first and second indicators.

Another embodiment of the training device includes a base with a top side and an opposing bottom side. A first alignment line extends across the top side. A plate is operatively connected to the base and includes a transparent section. A second alignment line extends across the transparent section. The base and plate are connected together with each of the first and second alignment lines positioned in a plane perpendicular to the golf swing. The plate and the base are aligned in a visually overlapping arrangement when viewed by the user when making the golf swing with the first alignment line being visible through the transparent section of the plate for visual alignment relative to the second alignment line.

Another embodiment of the training device includes a base with a first visual section and a second visual section. A first alignment line is positioned at a boundary of the first and second visual sections. The base is to be placed on the ground with the first alignment line being disposed in a reference plane that extends perpendicular to the golf swing. A plate is operatively connected to the base, with the plate including a transparent section. A second alignment line extends across the transparent section of the plate and is disposed in the reference plane. The plate is positioned relative to the base with the second alignment line positioned in front of the first alignment line when viewed by the user making the golf swing.

The various aspects of the various embodiments may be used alone or in any combination, as is desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf swing training device.

FIG. 2 is a top view of base with an indicator.

FIG. 3 is a top view of base with an indicator.

FIG. 4 is a top view of plate with an indicator.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a device with a base and a plate movably connected together.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a device from a first visual position.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 6 from a second visual position.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 6 from a third visual position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application is directed to a training device for use by a golfer to maintain their body in a proper position during their golf swing. The device basically includes a base and a plate that the golfer can visually observer during their golf swing. Each of the base and plate include indicators that are visually aligned relative to each other prior to the golf swing. The golfer observes the device during the course of the swing. The indicators remain visually aligned when the golfer maintains their body sway relative to a line perpendicular to the ball flight line. The indicators become visually misaligned when the golfer moves their body during the golf swing. The device provides a straight-forward mechanism for a golfer to visually determine the position of their body and therefore the resultant body position during their golf swing.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the device 10 used for the golfer to visually analyze their body position during their golf swing. The device 10 generally includes a base 20 with a first indicator 21, and a front plate 30 with a second indicator 31. In use, the device 10 is positioned in front of the golfer with the first and second indicators 21, 31 being visually aligned. The golfer visually watches the relative positions of the indicators 21, 31 during the course of the swing. The golfer maintains the proper body position when the indicators 21, 31 remain aligned during the course of the swing. The golfer has improper position when the indicators 21, 31 become misaligned during the course of the swing.

The base 20 includes a top side 22 that faces upwards when in use, and an opposing bottom side 23. The base 20 further includes a first end 24 that faces towards the golfer when the device 10 is in use, and an opposing second end 25. The base 20 may include various shapes and sizes depending upon the context of use. In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 1, the base 20 includes a generally rectangular shape.

The first indicator 21 is positioned along the top side 22 for visual alignment by the golfer. The indicator 21 extends from the first end 24 towards the second end 25. The indicator 21 may extend the entire length of the base 20 between the first and second ends 24, 25 as illustrated in FIG. 1, or may extend just a limited portion of the length. The indicator 21 may be evenly positioned along the width of the base 20 (i.e., equi-distant from each lateral side) as illustrated in FIG. 1, or may be positioned in closer proximity to one of the lateral sides.

The indicator 21 is positioned along the top side 22 forming a first section 27 on a first lateral side and a second section 28 on a second lateral side. The first and second sections 27, 28 include visually different appearances. The different visual appearances may be caused by but are not limited to different colors, patterns, textures, and combinations thereof. In one specific embodiment, the first section 27 includes a first color, and the second section 28 includes a different second color.

The indicator 21 may include a variety of different aspects. In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 1, the indicator 21 is formed by the boundary of the two sections 27, 28. In another embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 2, the indicator 21 is a line that is visually distinct from either of the two sections 27, 28. In one embodiment, the line includes a first color (e.g., black), and the two sections 27, 28 are each different colors. The indicator 21 may also have different shapes. In one embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the indicator 21 is straight. In another embodiment, the indicator 21 includes a non-linear shape. FIG. 3 includes the indicator 21 with a series of straight segments connected at various angles. Other embodiments may include a curved shape or segments, or various combinations of segments with different shapes. Further, additional embodiments may include two or more separate indicators 21. In one specific embodiment, each of the separate indicators 21 includes a common shape. In the various embodiments, the width of the indicators may be constant along the length, or may vary.

The indicators 21 may include lines that extend along a portion or entirety of the base 20. The indicators 21 may also include various other shapes, such as a circle, rectangle, design, picture, etc.

The plate 30 is positioned in front of the base 20 when viewed by the golfer. The plate 30 may include a first end 33 and an opposing second end 34. The plate 30 is operatively connected to the base 20 with the first end 33 in proximity to the first end 24 of the base 20. The plate 30 may include a variety of different shapes and sizes. In one embodiment, the size and shape of the plate 30 are substantially the same as the base 20.

The plate 30 includes a transparent section 32 that allows the user to visually see the base 20 through the plate 30. The transparent section 32 may include the entirety of the plate 30, or a limited section. FIG. 1 includes the entire plate 30 forming the transparent section 32. The transparent section 32 may be constructed from various materials, including but not limited to glass, plexi-glass, and Lucite.

In another embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 4, the plate 30 includes a transparent section 32 and an opaque section 35. In one embodiment, a coating is applied to a surface of the transparent section 32 to form the opaque section 35.

An indicator 31 extends across a portion or an entirety of the transparent section 32 of the plate 30. The indicator 31 extends in a lengthwise direction of the plate 30 between the first and second ends 33, 34. The indicator 31 may extend across an entirety of the length, or along just a limited section of the length. FIG. 1 includes an embodiment with the indicator 31 extend across the entire length.

The indicator 31 may include various shapes and sizes. In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 1, the indicator 31 is a substantially straight line with a constant thickness. Other embodiments include the indicator 31 with a non-linear shape, such as a series of straight segments connected at various angles, an overall curved shape or curved segments, and various combinations of segments with different shapes. Further, additional embodiments may include two or more separate indicators 31. In one specific embodiment, each of the separate indicators 31 includes a common shape. In the various embodiments, the width of the indicators may be constant along the length, or may vary.

The indicators 31 may include lines that extend along a portion or entirety of the plate 30. The indicators 31 may also include various other shapes, such as a circle, rectangle, design, picture, etc. The indicators 31 may be the same or different than the indicators 21.

A hinge 40 may connect the base 20 with the plate 30. The hinge 40 may include a first section 41 that is connected to the base 20 and a second section 42 that is connected to the plate 30. The hinge 40 provides for adjusting an angular position α of the plate 30 relative to the base 20. The hinge 40 provides for selectively positioning the device 10 between a closed orientation and an open orientation. The close orientation occurs when the device 10 is not in use and is in a folded arrangement that occupies a minimum of space. In one embodiment, the plate 30 and base 20 are in an overlapping arrangement with the plate 30 being substantially parallel with the base 20. The open orientation positions the plate 30 relative to the base for the golfer to visually align the indicators 26, 31. This may include the plate 30 positioned at an angle α within a range of between about 10-90 degrees relative to the base 20. This angle may vary depending upon a variety of variables, such as but not limited to the height of the golfer, the distance the golfer stands from the device 10, the topography of the surface that the golfer is using. In some embodiments, the plate 30 is positioned at an angle greater than 90 relative to the base 20 when in use.

The hinge 40 provides for relative movement between the base 20 and plate 30. In one embodiment, the indicators 21, 31 of the base 20 and plate 30 remain within a common plane at the various angular positions.

In use, the device 10 is placed in an open position with the base 20 and plate 30 positioned at the desired angular position for the golfer to visually observe the indicators 21, 31. The device 10 is positioned in front of the golfer. In one embodiment, the device 10 is positioned with the indicators 21, 31 positioned perpendicular to the swing of the golfer. The device 10 is positioned with the indicators 21, 31 being aligned when the golfer is at their set position with the club aligned with the golf ball and prior to starting their golf swing.

FIG. 6 illustrates the view of the device 10 from the golfer in this set position. The device 10 is aligned with the indicators 21, 31 aligned and in a visually overlapping arrangement. In this embodiment, the indicator 31 is a straight line that is positioned over the indicator 21 formed at the boundary of the sections 27, 28 of the base 20.

The golfer watches the device 10 during the course of their golf swing. As the golfer's body sways away from the ball during the back swing, the golfer observes that the indicators 21, 31 become misaligned. The degree of misalignment is directly proportional to the amount of sway occurring in the swing. Allowing the golfer to minimize sway away from the ball during the back swing causes a tighter, rounder coil of the body. The indicators also enable the golfer to know how far forward their body has moved during the downswing.

When the golfer moves their body during the golf swing, the indicators 21, 31 will become visually misaligned. FIG. 7 illustrates the golfer's view of the device 10 when the golfer moves their body backwards during the golf swing. The movement results in the golfer observing the device 10 from an angle with the indicator 31 moving forward relative to the indicator 21 and into the first section 27. This visually confirms to the golfer that their body has moved backwards during the golf swing.

Similarly, FIG. 8 illustrates the golfer's view of the device 10 when the golfer's body moves forward during the golf swing. The movement causes the golfer to observe the device 10 at an angle with the indicator 31 visually moving behind the indicator 21. This visually confirms that the golfer has moved forward during the golf swing.

The device 10 provides for real-time feedback to the golfer while they are making their golf swing. The golfer is then able to focus on working on keeping their body aligned during their golf swing.

Spatially relative terms such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, and the like, are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as “first”, “second”, and the like, are also used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc and are also not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description.

As used herein, the terms “having”, “containing”, “including”, “comprising” and the like are open ended terms that indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A training device to develop a golf swing of a user, the training device comprising: a base with a top side and an opposing bottom side, the top side including a first section with a first visual appearance, a second section with a second visual appearance; a first indicator formed on the top side of the base at the boundary of the first and second sections; a plate operatively connected to the base, the plate including a transparent section; and a second indicator positioned on the transparent section of the plate; the plate and the base being positioned in an overlapping arrangement when viewed by the user with the top side of the base being visible through the transparent section of the plate to visually align the first and second indicators.
 2. The training device of claim 1, wherein the first indicator includes a line positioned at the boundary of the first and second sections.
 3. The training device of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second indicators are straight lines.
 4. The training device of claim 1, wherein an entirety of the plate is transparent.
 5. The training device of claim 1, further comprising a hinge connected to each of the base and the plate, the hinge adjustable to position the base and plate at a first position with the base being parallel with the plate and a second position with the base being perpendicular to the plate.
 6. A training device to develop a golf swing of a user, the training device comprising: a base with a top side and an opposing bottom side; a first alignment line extending across the top side; a plate operatively connected to the base and including a transparent section; a second alignment line extending across the transparent section; the base and plate being connected together with each of the first and second alignment lines positioned in a plane perpendicular to the golf swing; the plate and the base being aligned in a visually overlapping arrangement when viewed by the user when making the golf swing with the first alignment line being visible through the transparent section of the plate for visual alignment relative to the second alignment line.
 7. The training device of claim 6, further comprising a first visual section on a first side of the first alignment line, and a second visual section on an opposing second side of the first alignment line, the first and second visual sections including different visual appearances and each having a different visual appearance than the second alignment line.
 8. The training device of claim 7, wherein the first visual section includes a first color and a second visual section includes a different second color.
 9. The training device of claim 7, wherein the first visual section includes a first pattern and the second visual section includes a different second pattern.
 10. The training device of claim 6, wherein each of the first and second alignment lines are straight.
 11. The training device of claim 7, wherein the first alignment line is formed by a boundary of the first and second visual sections of the base.
 12. The training device of claim 6, wherein the first alignment line extends across an entirety of the base.
 13. The training device of claim 6, further comprising a hinge that pivotally connects the plate to the base.
 14. The training device of claim 6, wherein an entirety of the plate is transparent.
 15. A training device to develop a golf swing of a user, the training device comprising: a base including a first visual section and a second visual section; a first alignment line positioned at a boundary of the first and second visual sections, the base to be placed on the ground with the first alignment line being disposed in a reference plane that extends perpendicular to the golf swing; a plate operatively connected to the base, the plate including a transparent section; and a second alignment line extending across the transparent section of the plate and disposed in the reference plane; the plate positioned relative to the base with the second alignment line positioned in front of the first alignment line when viewed by the user making the golf swing.
 16. The training device of claim 15, wherein the first visual section includes a first color and a second visual section includes a different second color.
 17. The training device of claim 15, wherein each of the first and second alignment lines are straight.
 18. The training device of claim 15, wherein the first alignment line extends across an entirety of the length of the base.
 19. The training device of claim 15, further comprising a hinge that pivotally connects the plate to the base, the hinge providing the plate to pivot relative to the base within a range of between about 0 degrees and about 90 degrees.
 20. The training device of claim 15, wherein the first alignment line includes a different visual appearance than either of the first visual section and the second visual section. 